Residents of the Ottawa region continue to deal with damage left behind by Saturday’s powerful storms.
Tens of thousands are still without power and it is unclear when it will be restored.
Here are some tips for staying safe during a power outage, from how to prevent food from spoiling to how to document damage for an insurance claim.
food and freezers
Food that has been in fridges, especially dairy, meat and leftovers, is probably no longer safe to eat, according to an advisory to residents and food businesses from the Leeds, Grenville and District Health Unit. Lanark.
“When in doubt, throw it away,” he warns.
Meanwhile, food that has been in a freezer should be fine as long as it stays frozen or below 4C, the health unit said.
A Government of Canada website that provides blackout tips He also suggests leaving the refrigerator door closed unless absolutely necessary. A freezer can keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if left unopened, he adds.
heat and cook
David Arama is the director of WSC Survival School Inc. in Cloyne, Ontario, about an hour’s drive north of Kingston.
He suggested that another way to keep food from spoiling is to cook what you can on the barbecue.
“That way it won’t go bad as fast,” he explained.
The government site warns people never to use charcoal or gas barbecues indoors, as they emit carbon monoxide, which is odorless and can be life-threatening.
People are advised to use proper candle holders and not to leave candles unattended or where children can grab them.
Arama, who has written a book that provides emergency survival skills, said fire is a “huge hazard” during a prolonged power outage.
Sleeping bags and fleece blankets are a safe way to stay warm without electricity, he added.
Arama also said that people should conserve battery power where they can and only use flashlights or headlamps when necessary.
well water
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit says those who rely on wells for water should be aware that treatment systems might not work while the power is out. In the meantime, he advised using another source of water, or boiling it for a minute and then letting it cool before using.
Once power is restored, residents should flush their lines and take a sample to ensure the treatment system is working again.
Sure
One of the first things you should do is list and document storm damage to your home, vehicle or belongings using video and photos, according to Anne Marie Thomas, director of consumer and industry relations for the Bureau of Canada Insurance (IBC).
If you’re doing a cleanup yourself, or paying someone else to do it, Thomas said keep receipts showing what you’ve spent, as you can be reimbursed.
“All of us, whether homeowners or insurance policy owners, have an obligation to mitigate damages,” he said.
“If you can’t get it, whether it’s a roofer or construction crew, today, maybe tarp … holes, repair what you can to prevent further damage,” Thomas added, noting that people should not enter a property. if it is not safe. to do it
Thomas added that it’s a good idea to call your insurance representative as soon as you can to start a claim.
If the storm rendered your vehicle unusable, he suggested checking your policy to see if it includes the option for the insurance company to pay rent until it’s repaired.
Thomas said it will be some time before the IBC has an idea of how much damage the storm caused.
What if things are really bad?
If a person is in a dangerous situation and able to do so, they may want to leave home for a few days,” said Arama, the survival expert.
That will provide time for storm cleanup, allow hydroelectric companies to recover power, and give people a safe place to stay.
“If things are really bad, get out of there and spend two or three days in a motel,” he said. “Shower, some food.”
Reference-www.cbc.ca